Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Odisha Assembly that a total of 18,176 prisoners are currently lodged in 86 jails across the state.
The figure includes 4,136 convicts and 14,040 under-trials.
Responding to a related question, the Chief Minister stated that 44 prisoners escaped from different jails in the last five years. Out of them, police managed to nab 27, while 17 remain absconding.
The data highlights the challenges faced by prison authorities in managing overcrowding and ensuring security. Officials said steps are being taken to strengthen surveillance and prevent further escapes.
